The 2019 Contino Reserva is a proprietary blend hailing from the Rioja Alavesa region in Spain. This red wine, produced by Contino, has garnered attention from notable wine reviewers for its distinctive qualities and balanced character.

James Suckling, a well-respected wine critic, awarded the 2019 Contino Reserva an impressive score of 97 points. He describes the wine as having "Violet, strawberry, raspberry and orange-peel aromas and flavors," which contribute to its unique profile. Suckling notes that the wine is "Medium-bodied, with minerality and brightness," highlighting its vivid energy and purity. He emphasizes the transformative nature of this vintage by stating, "A wonderful change here. Energy. So much purity. Drink or hold." (jamessuckling.com, 5/9/2023).

On the other hand, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the wine a respectable score of 93 points. The review by LG highlights some of the technical aspects of the 2019 vintage. The grapes were picked earlier compared to the 2018 harvest, resulting in a lower alcohol level of 13.89% despite the warmer vintage. This early picking and shorter cycle led to "less aroma and flavor development," according to LG. The review also mentions that the warmer year brought about a higher pH, giving the wine a slightly softer profile with riper flavors. The wine underwent an 18-month aging process in barrels before being bottled in March 2022. The production volume includes 313,666 bottles and 3,500 magnums (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 7/14/2022).

In summary, the 2019 Contino Reserva showcases a blend of vibrant fruit aromas and flavors, coupled with a medium-bodied structure and distinct minerality. While James Suckling praises its purity and energy, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate provides insight into the technical nuances of the vintage. This wine offers a balanced and engaging experience, suitable for immediate enjoyment or for holding.